American International College Introduces Online RN-to-BSN Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Division of Nursing in the School of Health Sciences at American International College (AIC) now offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program that acknowledges the experience and needs of working nursing professionals.

Designed to be completed in just 15 months, AIC’s program consists of 30 credits of online nursing coursework. According to Karen Rousseau, School of Health Sciences professor and director of Nursing Programs, “RNs with a BSN degree are better able to maximize career opportunities and advance into clinical and leadership roles that will continue to emerge in an ever-evolving and complex healthcare system.”

Registered nurses who have completed associate-degree programs are admitted as transfer students with advanced standing. RNs may transfer up to 90 credits of coursework; additional non-nursing coursework may be required to complete the 120-credit undergraduate program.

Built on the strengths of its traditional BSN program, AIC’s RN-to-BSN program prepares registered nurses to coordinate evidence-based care, engage in collaborative practice, and effectively serve as members of interprofessional healthcare teams. When the Department of Health and Human Services released its 2016 performance summary for nursing education in Massachusetts, AIC’s BSN program had a 90{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} pass rate, exceeding pass rates for all other four-year nursing programs in Western Mass. In addition, AIC surpassed the state average pass rate of 83.6{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} and the national pass rate of 84.5{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}.

The National Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of registered nurses in the U.S. and Canada. To ensure public protection, each board of nursing requires candidates for licensure to pass the appropriate NCLEX examination. NCLEX examinations are designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level.

In addition to the online RN-to-BSN program, the American International College School of Health Sciences offers the MSN with three concentrations: family nurse practitioner (FNP), nursing administration, and nursing education. In addition, the School of Health Sciences offers an undergraduate degree in public health and undergraduate and graduate degree programs in occupational therapy and physical therapy.